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The primary battlefield between Konohagakure and Kumogakure was in the Land of Fields (Tani no Kuni). In the original timeline, after Orochimaru defected, he established Otogakure in this country, giving it a dark reputation. But now, the situation was even worse; the entire country had turned into a warzone between two of the Five Great Nations.
Small countries like this survived because the Land of Fire used them as buffer zones. Whenever war erupted, these lands became battlegrounds, shielding the Great Nations. If the fighting ever reached Konoha itself, the consequences would be catastrophic. The Battle of Kannabi Bridge during the Third Great Ninja War was a prime example. Had Konoha lost that conflict, the village might not have survived.
Hyūga Hiashi led his clan's forces here, but overall command belonged to Tsunade. As the head of the Hyūga clan, Hiashi was prominent, much like his peer Uchiha Fugaku. But Tsunade, as one of the Legendary Sannin, commanded not only respect but seniority in both age and experience.
Still, Tsunade was frustrated.
Her goal in joining the war had been to train her three apprentices, but now she found herself leading an entire division. It wasn't what she had anticipated.
Natsume followed her dutifully, though his mind wandered. This was his first long-distance mission, and while the changing scenery intrigued him initially, the novelty quickly faded.
The group pressed onward until nightfall, setting up camp as darkness settled in. Natsume and Kabuto Yakushi were assigned a tent together, their sleeping bags compact for ease of travel.
"Kabuto, how's your progress with the Hashirama cell research I shared?" Natsume asked as he settled into his sleeping bag.
Orochimaru's research had advanced over the past two years, and as part of their agreement, Natsume had received some of that knowledge. The First Hokage's Wood Release was an ability with immense potential.
Kabuto frowned. "Some of it's still beyond my reach. The techniques are complex, and I'm only starting to understand the fundamentals." He sighed but then looked determined. "But I'm learning more each day. Give me a few more years, and I think I'll make real progress."
Natsume nodded, acknowledging Kabuto's impressive skill. For Kabuto to comprehend even a portion of Orochimaru's work was no small feat. His talent was undeniable, and under Tsunade's guidance, his medical ninjutsu had grown considerably.
"I'm going to see Sensei for a bit," Natsume said, pushing himself out of his sleeping bag.
Even here on the battlefield, he couldn't end the day without saying goodnight to Tsunade—a ritual they had upheld for the past three years.
Meanwhile, Tsunade sat alone in her tent, feeling a hint of melancholy. As commander, her tent was isolated for privacy, yet her thoughts drifted to Natsume, as they often did before bed. Despite the chaos of the battlefield, she missed her routine check-ins with him.
A soft sigh escaped her as she thought of how Hinata had reacted to Natsume earlier that day. It shouldn't have bothered her, yet it did. And she knew why. It wasn't about Hinata; it was about Natsume.
"Sister, are you asleep?"
Tsunade was startled out of her thoughts by the familiar voice outside her tent. Standing, she opened the flap.
"No, come in," she said.
Natsume slipped inside with a grin, heading straight to her bed and sitting beside her. Their routine had become so familiar that neither gave it a second thought.
"You should be asleep," Tsunade chided gently, though there was no real irritation in her tone.
"I just wanted to say goodnight," Natsume replied, leaning against her. "I can't sleep without it."
Tsunade couldn't help but smile. "You're still such a child," she said, softly tapping his forehead.
"I *am* a child," he pointed out, resting his head against her. "I'm not even ten yet."
Tsunade chuckled, feeling warmth at his presence. But as she moved to ruffle his hair, she hesitated. The closeness between them had always been comforting, yet something felt different now. They were on the front lines, and if anyone saw, rumors might spread.
"Alright, you really should get to bed," she said softly, lifting him off her bed. "Tomorrow will be another long day."
"Fine." Natsume pouted slightly but obeyed, standing up reluctantly. "Goodnight, Sister."
"Goodnight, Natsume," she replied, watching him leave.
As Natsume returned to his tent, a smile crept onto his face. He had noticed Tsunade beginning to hold back. He understood why—he was growing older, and their relationship couldn't stay the same forever. But he was determined. He had loved Tsunade for two lifetimes. In time, he would make her realize his feelings.
The next morning, the group resumed their march after a quick breakfast. Natsume missed Tsunade's rice balls, but luxuries had no place on the battlefield.
By midday, they arrived at Konoha's base camp in the Land of Fields, where Uchiha Fugaku awaited them.
Sarutobi Hiruzen had sent Fugaku to the front for several reasons. The power of the Uchiha clan was undeniable, making them invaluable in battle. Additionally, Fugaku's presence was a move toward rebuilding trust after the suspicions surrounding the Nine-Tails' attack. The village needed the Uchiha on its side, and Fugaku's role here was essential.
Yet, despite this gesture, the issues within the village remained unresolved. The Uchiha's pride and sense of isolation ran deep, and if left unaddressed, their fate would be sealed.
Tsunade handed command over to Fugaku, relieved to be free of the burden. She had no desire to remain in charge, especially when she could focus on training her team.
After lunch, she gathered her team together.
"I've accepted an A-rank mission," she announced. "This will be your first real test."
Natsume's eyes widened slightly. An A-rank mission? They hadn't even handled a B-rank yet. He opened his mouth to object but caught the glint in Tsunade's eye.
"Scared?" she teased with a smirk.
"Of course not!" Natsume shot back, crossing his arms.
Tsunade grinned, ruffling his hair. "Good. I'll keep an eye on you if anything goes wrong."
Natsume tried to glare but couldn't hide his small smile. As always, Tsunade knew exactly how to challenge him.
Shizune and Kabuto exchanged a glance, silently wondering if they were even needed. It was clear that Natsume held Tsunade's focus, while they were along for the journey.
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